Title: Kings of Paradise
Author: Richard Nell
First published August 8, 2017
608 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.2
Overview
In the snow-covered wasteland of the Ascom, Ruka was born a deformed genius. Hated and outcasted, he plots his vengeance against those who wronged him, but first, he must survive.
Meanwhile, across the vast sea, Kale, the fourth prince of Sri Kon, struggles to become a man and prove himself to his father. Both boys are on the brink of discovery, and their worlds are destined for greatness or ruin.
As ash meets paradise, only one can be king. Kings of Paradise is a bloody, dark, low-fantasy coming-of-age story, full of magic, politics, and culture, and the first installment of an epic trilogy.
About the Author
Back in 2014, Richard Nell caused some worry among his loved ones when he decided to leave his regular job and focus solely on writing. Currently residing in one of the coldest and flattest locations on the planet, Richard is a Canadian writer of fantasy, supported by his dutiful wife who ensures he stays well-fed.
His debut novel, Kings of Paradise, is the first part of a captivating and immersive trilogy that follows the journey of a young protagonist through his coming-of-age. The book has been well-received and even reached the top of the Canadian Amazon charts in dark fantasy.
It’s available for purchase now.
Alongside his epic fantasy work, Richard also writes flintlock fantasy. Keep up with his latest news, free giveaways, and occasional musings on philosophy by joining his community.
Editoral Review
In Richard Nell’s debut novel Kings of Paradise, readers are transported to a dark and violent world of power struggles, murder, and sorcery. Nell’s writing style is both beautiful and brutal, and his mastery of the fantasy genre shines through in every chapter.
The plot centers around two very different characters who each have their own unique struggles. Ruka, a young boy who grows up in poverty and abuse, discovers that he has a gift for magic.
But in a world where sorcery is feared and its practitioners hunted, he must navigate treacherous waters to survive. Meanwhile, Dala, a princess with a dark secret, is forced to make difficult choices in order to protect her family and her kingdom.
Nell’s world-building is superb. The setting of the story is a vast island filled with danger and wonder, and Nell’s descriptions of the landscape and creatures that inhabit it are vivid and evocative.
The magic system in Kings of Paradise is also well-crafted, with a clear set of rules that govern how it works. The characters are complex and multi-layered, each with their own motivations and goals.
Ruka is a sympathetic protagonist, but he also has a ruthless streak that makes him a formidable opponent. Dala is similarly complex, with a hidden strength that is only gradually revealed over the course of the story.
Nell’s pacing of the plot is excellent, with just the right amount of action and suspense to keep readers engaged. The themes of the story, including power, ambition, and morality, are explored in a nuanced and thought-provoking way.
One potential issue with the book is its violence, which is graphic and often disturbing. Some readers may find the level of gore and brutality off-putting.
Overall, Kings of Paradise is an impressive debut novel that will appeal to fans of epic fantasy. Richard Nell has crafted a rich and compelling story with well-drawn characters, a vivid setting, and a magic system that is sure to enchant readers.
Highly recommended. Rating: 4/5
